For most people the first place they travel to holds a special place in their heart. While Europe was not technically my first stop, for me, it feels like home! There are so many reasons to love European vacations: The people, the food, the views, but here are my top reasons for going back again and again!

#5. Returning to a familiar place. If you have ever traveled to the same place twice, you know what I mean! There is nothing like getting into Paris (or any city) and knowing where the Metro is (or, let’s be honest, the best bakeries!) Or knowing exactly where your favorite hotel is, the best walk along the river, the park where you want to read all day. Each time I return somewhere I find new treasures to make me love the place!

#4. Bakeries on Every corner. Seriously, you haven’t lived until you have divulged in European pastries. I haven’t had a bad one yet (and I even ended up with a prune Danish on one side trip to Slovakia). My favorites are anything with apples, or those cream filled croissants, or anything dusted in confectioners’ sugar.

#3. The Wine. It doesn’t seem to matter if you are in France, Spain, or Austria, the wine selection in Europe is second to none! The best part is there are great options at almost every price level; you can pick up a decent wine in the grocery store for 3 Euros or splurge on a couple hundred dollar bottle straight from your favorite vineyard.

#2. The History. As American’s I believe we forget how young of a country we are! In Europe, when you are walking down centuries old cobblestone streets, or sitting in a church from the 1400s, it is hard to miss that this place has a little more sole! There is so much to take in, and there really is nothing like realizing that Leonardo de Vinci or Alexander the Great could have walked exactly where you are!

And the #1 reason I love Europe: The People. You may have heard that the French dislike American’s, or that no one likes the American government. Well, that may be true in some cases, but in my experience, if you smile, and try, it goes a long, long way! Just learn ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ in the language and you are pretty well set. The people are warm, welcoming, and just as interested in you as you are in them.

I hope this gives you a little inspiration to hop across “The Pond” and visit our neighbors to the East! With all the wonderful European vacations available you are sure to find somewhere that strikes your fancy!

You Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof-Teini

Why do you love Europe? Leave a comment and tell us, we love hearing from you!